Dreaming of a Formal French Garden and Loving Our Wild One Today 2026

Excerpt from “In Giardino n.65 – March-April 2019”
Author: Nicla de Carolis

“The Loire, in its course, crosses a valley which, for its fertility, is called the garden of France.” This is my memory of the introduction that the French teacher, with perfect pronunciation and intonation, gave us in middle school to talk about the Loire and all the wonders found along its course: a garden so large that it develops along an entire river. This struck me, and I learned that, unlike the rest of France, the Loire Valley is characterized by a temperate climate, dry summers with mild and breezy temperatures, and autumns that are never too cold, allowing the cultivation of a wide variety of flowers and plants. For the same reason, probably, the sovereigns of France, followed by the court nobility, chose the valley for their summer residences and built, between the 10th and 17th centuries, as many as 300 castles. The beauty and austerity of the gardens in this area (see article on page 6, Chateau du Rivau) designed around the castles according to the rules of the formal French garden, to distinguish it from the English one, of the landscape type and derived from the Italian Renaissance garden, put us in awe. The most beautiful were created in the 1500s and reflect the humanistic rationalism of the era that asserts man’s dominion over the world of the senses. Renaissance man sees nature as something to bend to his will and to use like any other material used for construction. Thus, the garden must adapt to the rules that govern architecture: symmetry, perspective. What dominates in these gardens is topiary art, according to which hedges must be pruned into geometric shapes, animals, objects, and even people. Another example of gardens from this period is the labyrinth, simple but always effective, where all paths have an exit. Flowers are confined to a place separate from the rest, the secret garden. And then vineyards, water gardens, and the medieval-inspired vegetable garden, where the colors of vegetables—the blue of leeks, the red of beets, the jade green of carrot leaves—alternate with flowers in a huge, colorful, and fragrant checkerboard. Certainly, very few of us could aspire to have a French-style garden or even an Italian one.

The Charm of the Formal French Garden

The formal French garden is a masterpiece of design and control. Every hedge, every path, every flower bed is meticulously planned to create a sense of order and grandeur. If you’re inspired to bring a touch of this elegance to your own space, start with the basics. Consider upgrading your home improvement tools to shape your hedges and maintain your lawn with precision. A well-kept garden is the foundation of any formal landscape.

Topiary: The Art of Living Sculpture

Topiary is the heart of the French garden. It requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. For those looking to practice this art, having quality garden supplies is essential. From shears to pruning saws, the right tools make all the difference in creating those perfect geometric shapes or whimsical animal forms.

Creating Your Own Secret Garden

The concept of a secret garden, a secluded space reserved for flowers and quiet contemplation, is deeply romantic. You can recreate this feeling in your own backyard. Start by defining the space with a beautiful outdoor decor piece, like a decorative screen or a set of elegant planters. Then, fill it with your favorite blooms and perhaps a cozy bench for reading.

From Vegetable Garden to Ornamental Delight

The medieval-inspired potager, or vegetable garden, is both practical and beautiful. It mixes vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a structured, often symmetrical layout. To start your own, you might need a sturdy shed to store your tools and supplies. A well-organized shed keeps your gardening equipment safe and ready for use, helping you maintain that perfect checkerboard of colors.

Bringing the Garden Indoors

Why limit the beauty of the garden to the outdoors? Bring elements of nature inside your home. Fresh flowers from your garden look stunning on a dining table, creating a centerpiece that changes with the seasons. A simple vase of lavender or roses can transform the mood of a room.

Lighting Your Garden Path

A formal garden deserves to be seen even after sunset. Proper outdoor lighting can highlight your topiary, illuminate your pathways, and create a magical evening atmosphere. String lights along a pergola or place lanterns along a gravel path to extend the enjoyment of your garden into the night.

Relaxing in Your Outdoor Oasis

After a day of gardening, you need a comfortable place to relax and admire your work. Invest in quality outdoor patio furniture to create a seating area where you can sip a glass of wine and enjoy the fruits of your labor. A well-placed bench or a set of cushioned chairs can make all the difference.

Embracing the Wild Garden

While the formal French garden is awe-inspiring, there is a special charm in the wild, untamed garden. Our “scapigliato” (unkempt) garden of today has its own beauty. It requires less maintenance and invites a more relaxed, natural aesthetic. To support this style, consider adding a greenhouse to start your seedlings or protect delicate plants. A greenhouse gives you control over your growing environment while still allowing nature to take its course.

FAQ: Formal vs. Wild Gardens

1. What is the main difference between a formal French garden and an English landscape garden?

The formal French garden emphasizes symmetry, geometric patterns, and man’s control over nature, with elements like topiary and parterres. The English landscape garden, in contrast, mimics natural scenery with rolling lawns, winding paths, and irregular plantings, celebrating nature’s wild beauty.

2. Can I combine elements of a formal garden with a wild, naturalistic style?

Absolutely! Many modern gardens blend both styles. You can have a structured hedge or a formal pathway leading into a more relaxed, meadow-like area. This creates a dynamic and interesting landscape that offers the best of both worlds.

3. What are the best plants for a low-maintenance, “scapigliato” garden?

Native wildflowers, ornamental grasses, and perennial shrubs are excellent choices. They require less water, fertilizer, and pruning. Plants like lavender, echinacea, and sedum are both beautiful and hardy, perfect for a carefree garden.

4. How do I start a topiary garden on a budget?

Begin with small, inexpensive plants like boxwood or yew. Use quality garden supplies for pruning, and start with simple shapes like spheres or cones. With patience and practice, you can create impressive topiary without breaking the bank.

5. What furniture is best for a garden that blends formal and wild elements?

Choose furniture that complements both styles. Wrought iron or teak pieces work well in formal settings, while rustic wooden benches or hammocks suit a wilder garden. A storage bench is a practical addition, offering seating and a place to keep gardening tools or cushions.

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